Chapter Sixty-Nine: A Fiery Temper

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“If he doesn’t shift the blame, those people won’t believe he’s the one who started it. Who would have thought that I, lacking both literary and martial skills, am so qualified to play the fool?”

Jiang Lan delicately played with the jade bone fan her sister had just sent. The fan’s bones were made from exquisite Hetian jade, finely carved and beautifully crafted. Her sister, knowing Jiang Lan was accustomed to using fans, must have sent this precious item because the golden fan was now evidence, and who knew when it could be retrieved.

“Don’t underestimate yourself, Young Lord.”

Jiang Lan smiled faintly, but the truth remained. She was a walking magnet for misfortune—buying pastries and getting caught in a scheme, even heroically saving someone only to end up in prison. Was this body cursed by Su Mo, that unlucky deity?

Now bearing the original owner’s fate, life felt truly stifling.

Leaning against a pillar, left arm resting on the low table, the fan opened and closed in her hand.

“Whether or not it was his idea, he used me to distract those people’s attention. Since he’s done this, he must bear the consequences.”

Then Jiang Lan laughed softly. “Not only did I follow his words, but I also arranged for someone to secretly escort him to the palace. How those people interpret it is no longer my concern.”

A cunning gleam flashed in her eyes. She was merely returning the favor—using their own methods against them. Everyone was quick to make her the scapegoat, taking her for an easy target.

Shen Duo nodded, not objecting to Jiang Lan’s approach.

Following Qin Shu’s plan, all blame was shifted to the Young Lord, who then entered the palace to confess. If he were attacked and wounded on the way, the original offense would pale in comparison, making him the victim of the Young Lord’s political struggle.

The Emperor would offer praise and consolation, not punishment.

But the Young Lord sent someone to rescue him, preventing those noble families from acting, thus muddying the waters completely.

A minor official suddenly protected by such powerful figures implied a greater force lurking behind. Since it hid in the shadows, it was certainly not the openly targeted Young Lord of the Duke’s House.

The true mastermind manipulating this affair would keep those noble families busy with endless investigations.

Though risky and thoroughly exposing herself, Jiang Lan’s move created a slim chance for survival precisely because of its openness.

A masterful stroke!

Shen Duo looked with admiration at Jiang Lan’s slender arms and legs.

“How do you think this will ultimately play out, Young Lord? Will those involved be exposed?”

Seeing Jiang Lan shake her head, Shen Duo was surprised. “They won’t?”

Jiang Lan spread her hands, smiling candidly. “I don’t know.”

Both laughed.

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“What brought you to this prison, Brother Shen?”

Shen Duo didn’t shy away, readily sharing the entire story.

When Jiang Lan heard it was Consort Shang’s nephew Zhao Yang, she frowned. “You beat up Zhao Yang, Consort Shang’s nephew? That guy grew up in luxury, pampered beyond belief. And you only got a few days in prison?”

Shen Duo shook his head. “I was originally returning to the capital to receive a title, but having been stripped of my post as Cavalry General, the matter was finally settled.”

Jiang Lan sympathized with Shen Duo. Despite Consort Shang bearing only one princess, she had thrived in the palace for ten years, thanks to her illustrious maternal clan—the Zhao family from Jiangnan.

Their sons and nephews filled the ranks of court officials. Last spring’s exams saw over a dozen successful candidates from their clan, and next year promised even greater triumphs.

Zhao Yang was the youngest son of Consort Shang’s elder brother, the most beloved, even more doted upon than the Empress Dowager favored Jiang Lan herself.

In Jiankang city, Jiang Lan was often compared to Zhao Yang, so upon arriving in the capital, she had already heard his name. Shen Duo’s mention made it feel less unfamiliar.

“But to erase your military achievements—that’s too much!”

Jiang Lan was indignant, feeling Shen Duo had been wronged.

How much must Consort Shang’s clan adore this Zhao Yang? If Zhao Yang ever came up against the Fang family, Jiang Lan wondered what would happen.

“Well, they’re nobles and aristocrats—nothing to be done. But if I meet him again flaunting his power, I’ll still give him a beating!”

Seeing Shen Duo’s clear gaze and bold demeanor, Jiang Lan admired such a spirited man. Clapping her chest in solidarity, she declared, “Count me in next time! I want to see if the Zhao family dares to lock us both up. Beat him! Make him fear us!”

“Yes! Make him fear us!”

The two clinked their tea cups across the air and drank them dry.

~~

Meanwhile, Qin Shu left the prison and went to the study to see Liu Bu.

Noticing Qin Shu’s troubled expression, Liu Bu frowned, “Has everything been exposed?”

Qin Shu shook his head. The Young Lord was very naïve, completely unguarded against him. Qin Shu felt uneasy thinking about it.

“Yuezhi, is there any other way? Isn’t this too much for the Young Lord…”

Liu Yuezhi stuffed memorials and related documents into Qin Shu’s arms, telling him bluntly, “Too late. We’ve come this far; what else can we do? We must press on.”

“But…”

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“There’s no ‘but.’ Who is he, and who are you? Can you shoulder this disaster?”

“I—”

“Don’t overthink it. The Young Lord is the Empress Dowager’s only nephew, her most beloved, and also the Emperor’s cousin. For you, this is a catastrophe; for him, it’s nothing. Just present yourself to His Majesty. I’ve already arranged everything for the journey. You’ll suffer some minor injuries, nothing serious. Don’t panic and forget your purpose.”

Listening to Yuezhi’s instructions, Qin Shu grew increasingly nervous; the closer it came, the more frightened he became.

“Are those people in place?”

“They are.”

“Are their martial skills reliable?”

“Ah… reliable.”

“Well then—”

“Qin Shu, if you don’t leave now, you’ll ruin everything!”

Helpless, Qin Shu reluctantly took his leave from Liu Yuezhi.

Finally seeing Qin Shu out the gate, Liu Yuezhi hurried to the rear court. His dark blue robe fluttered with cloud patterns, and another white pigeon took flight from the estate.

Qin Shu sat in the enclosed sedan, desperately wiping sweat and constantly checking the memorial hidden in his sleeve, terrified something might go wrong.

He was anxious the entire way, waiting for those men to appear. But even at the palace gates, nothing happened—this was not according to plan.

“Master, we’ve arrived.”

Outside, Yue An had called three times already. Qin Shu hesitated. Yuezhi had told him to enter the palace immediately after being seriously wounded, but with no “bandits” in sight, should he play his part or not?

“Master Qin, if you have business, go inside; later, Anping will leave the palace.” The implication was clear—he was blocking the way!

At the palace gates, the Golden Guard saw Qin Shu lingering by the wall like a lost fly and grew annoyed. His wife had visited her mother yesterday, leaving him alone all night, so his temper was short.

Qin Shu had no choice but to steel himself and walk inside.